Elton John calls recent Florida laws 'disgraceful,' says US is 'going backwards'

Legendary pop singer Elton John had some choice words for the climate around LGBTQ issues in the country.

In an interview with Radio Times Tuesday, the "I'm Still Standing" singer said "it’s all going pear-shaped in America."

"There’s violence, laws enacted in Florida which are disgraceful," John said. "There’s a law now that, if you visit a doctor in Florida, they can refuse to treat you if you’re gay, which I find just unbelievable."

John appeared to be referencing Florida's SB 1580, also called “Protections of Medical Conscience" bill, which allows Florida health care providers and payors to refuse services based on their moral, ethical or religious beliefs. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law May 11.

Senate Bill 1580 was one of more than a dozen bills closely watched by LGBTQ advocates who were concerned health care providers and insurers would use it to deny health care or coverage of health care to transgender people.

"We seem to be going backwards. And that spreads. It’s like a virus that the LGBTQ+ movement is suffering," John said. “It’s a growing swell of anger and homophobia that’s around America.”

The musician also weighed in on a recent scandal involving British news anchor Phillip Schofield, calling the public response to it "totally homophobic." Schofield was dropped by his talent agency YMU and resigned after backlash to him admitting to a relationship with a younger man.

Elton John is in the midst of closing out his farewell tour, and finished his last North American tour date last year. The musician's final show in the U.S. was held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, a goodbye made even more poignant since the venue was the famed setting for John's 1975 breakout stadium concerts.

"Tonight is a very special night, a very emotional night for me," the singer told crowds during that performance, wearing a bedazzled jacket with tails and sunglasses. "It's been a long journey."

The superstar, whose career was originally propelled by Los Angeles crowds, thanked the local audience for their pivotal support.

"You made me. Without America, I wouldn't be here," John said. "Thank you for all the years of love and generosity. I wish you health and love and prosperity."

'Be kind to each other': Emotional Elton John bids America farewell from Dodger Stadium

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY; Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elton John says US is 'going backwards' on LGBTQ rights